Weather Diaries
Weather Diaries gives Ride's rhythm section plenty of room. Bass keeps the songs moving and drums offer more than backing beneath a wall of guitars. The familiar vocal harmonies remain, but the instruments sound open enough to follow separately. The album therefore has a clear sense of momentum even when it depends more heavily on atmosphere.
"Lannoy Point" makes a strong opening. A clear guitar melody gains synthesizer and an active bassline. The drums hold everything together without trapping the song in place. "Charm Assault" chooses a more direct route with a catchy chorus. It is recognisably Ride, although the tune lacks some of the surprise that makes their best material special.
The title track takes longer. A restrained, fairly classic build moves through a guitar solo towards a much fuller ending. It gives the record a convincing centre. "Cali" then reveals a lighter pop side. Clear guitars and vocal harmonies have enough character to support the song beyond any expectations around a comeback. "Impermanence" also makes an impression through its guitar tone and Mark Gardener's warm singing.
Every song does not get going equally quickly. The long introduction to "Rocket Silver Symphony" delays the main tune, while some familiar moves sound comfortable rather than exciting. That keeps Weather Diaries from succeeding throughout. Its strongest moments still reveal a band with something to do with its old sound. Firm rhythms, electronic details and clearly shaped melodies give the record a place of its own. Ride sound most convincing when the songs have room to breathe and make good use of it.
